Are There Turkey Vultures in California?

Turkey Vultures are abundant year-round residents throughout California. These large scavengers soar over every region from coastal ranges to the Sierra Nevada mountains and deserts. Whether you are in the Central Valley, exploring the coast, or hiking in mountains, turkey vultures are a common sight. The state's warm climate provides ideal conditions.

By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 20, 2026.

Turkey Vulture photographed in California — Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.

Found in California

1
species recorded: 1,794,828
GBIF records: 6
birding hotspots: April, March, May
peak months

Yes, turkey vultures are in California. Next you'll want:

Real sighting data, source iNaturalist

48,127 verified observations on iNaturalist of turkey vulture have been recorded in California, most often in April, March, May.

When turkey vulture are recorded in California

Range and Geographic Distribution in California

Turkey Vultures are found throughout California in virtually every habitat type except the highest alpine peaks. Coastal regions from San Diego to the redwood forests of northern California support healthy populations. The Central Valley contains dense concentrations of turkey vultures. The Sierra Nevada mountains host turkey vultures from foothill elevations to the highest passes. Southern California deserts including the Mojave and Colorado deserts have abundant populations. The Salton Sea area in southeastern California attracts large numbers of soaring birds. Northern California's volcanic plateaus and coastal mountains support year-round populations. Riparian corridors along major rivers provide concentrated habitat throughout the state. The California condor's historic range is now primarily turkey vulture territory. Anyone exploring/wildlife/californiawill encounter turkey vultures in virtually every region.

Seasonal Presence and Timing in California

Turkey Vultures are year-round residents in California, though populations shift seasonally. Northern populations increase during spring and summer as breeding birds return. Fall migration brings birds passing through from more northern states. Some northern-breeding populations move south to join California populations for winter. Southern California maintains steady populations year-round with occasional northern migrants. Winter populations are actually higher in southern California as birds concentrate. Spring brings increased activity as breeding pairs establish territories and repair nests. Summer sees maximum visibility as thermals strengthen. Early fall migration in August and September brings movement. Late fall and winter populations remain steady with reduced thermal activity. The species is visible in California during every season and month. Visit/wildlifeto learn about seasonal patterns in other California wildlife species.

How to Identify a Turkey Vulture in California

Turkey Vultures in California are unmistakable large birds. Adults have dark brown to black plumage covering the entire body and wings. The bare red head is the most striking feature, especially on older birds. The head lacks any feathers, showing bright red skin intensifying in breeding season. Immature birds display grayish or dark heads gradually brightening to red as they mature. The wingspan reaches nearly six feet, making turkey vultures among California's largest flying birds. In flight, the wings display a characteristic two-toned pattern with silvery-gray outer feathers. Turkey vultures hold their wings in a shallow V-shape while soaring. Their flight is buoyant and appears wobbly compared to eagles or hawks. The body seems relatively large with a long tail and small head. Turkey vultures rarely flap their wings, instead riding thermals for hours. Even from great distances, the combination of features makes/wildlife/california/turkey-vultureidentification straightforward.

Habitats Where Turkey Vultures Concentrate in California

Turkey Vultures occupy diverse California habitats ranging from sea level to high mountains. Coastal cliffs and rocky coastlines provide abundant food from marine animal carrion. Open grasslands and oak woodlands throughout California support large populations. Agricultural areas and ranches attract turkey vultures seeking livestock carrion. The Central Valley's vast agricultural lands concentrate thousands of birds. Riparian corridors along the Sacramento River and other waterways provide rich habitat. Desert regions including the Mojave and Colorado deserts host adapted populations. Mountain regions including the Sierra Nevada support populations where thermals assist soaring. State wildlife areas and national parks provide protected habitat across the state. Landfills and waste areas occasionally concentrate birds seeking discarded food. Urban and suburban areas increasingly host turkey vulture populations. Roadside habitats along major highways consistently provide carrion./wildlife/californiaobservers can find turkey vultures in nearly every landscape type.

Behavior and Diet of Turkey Vultures

Turkey Vultures are obligate scavengers depending entirely on carrion. They locate dead animals using extremely keen sense of smell, detecting decomposing flesh from miles away. A single bird may cover fifty miles or more daily searching for food. Turkey vultures often soar in groups called kettles, sometimes numbering hundreds of birds. These congregations provide social benefits and cooperative foraging advantages. Birds communicate sightings to each other, often following each other to food sources. Turkey vultures are gentle and harmless, killing no living prey. They roost communally at night, often selecting tall trees or cliff faces. Morning sunbathing is common with birds spreading wings to warm themselves. Breeding pairs may nest for several years at the same cliff cavities. Single chicks are reared through spring and summer. Their ecosystem services eliminate disease-causing carcasses effectively.

Living Alongside Turkey Vultures in California

Turkey Vultures are protected under federal and California state law. These birds cannot be legally harmed and are recognized as important ecosystem members. No management conflicts typically arise between turkey vultures and human interests. The birds pose no health risks to humans and rarely cause property damage. Occasional large congregations near residential areas may appear unsightly but are harmless. Livestock operations rarely experience conflicts since turkey vultures feed only on carrion. Many California residents and visitors appreciate turkey vultures for their ecological value. Bird watchers actively seek out turkey vulture hotspots for observation. Photography enthusiasts find them rewarding subjects. Conservation groups monitor populations and document migration patterns. California's diverse populations provide good study subjects for researchers. Indigenous peoples historically incorporated turkey vultures into cultural traditions. Modern California communities generally view the species positively. Exploring/wildlifecommunities often encounter turkey vultures as valued residents.

Species Confused with Turkey Vultures in California

Several large California birds could potentially be confused with turkey vultures. Golden Eagles are all-dark raptors that soar over mountains and deserts. Unlike turkey vultures, Golden Eagles hold their wings flat during soaring. Bald Eagles have distinctive white heads and tails. Red-tailed Hawks are smaller common raptors with different flight patterns. Zone-tailed Hawks mimic turkey vulture appearance but are smaller and rarer. The extinct California Condor, still familiar to many, was much larger. Black Vultures, rare in coastal California, resemble turkey vultures. Osprey are fish-hunting raptors with distinctive hunting behavior. Ravens and Crows are smaller all-black birds with steady wing beats. Red Kites are soaring raptors found in limited California areas. Great Blue Herons in flight can superficially resemble vultures from extreme distances. Learning to distinguish/wildlife/californiaraptor species enhances bird identification skills.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Vultures in California

Q: Are turkey vultures native to California? A: Yes, turkey vultures have always been part of California's native fauna. Q: How many turkey vultures live in California? A: Exact numbers are uncertain, but tens of thousands breed and winter in the state. Q: Do turkey vultures nest in California? A: Yes, they nest in caves, cliff faces, and hollow trees throughout most regions. Q: Where can I watch turkey vultures in California? A: Turkey vultures are visible throughout the state, though the Salton Sea, Central Valley, and coastal cliffs concentrate particularly large numbers. Mountains provide excellent viewing as thermals create impressive soaring spectacles. Early morning observations along ridgelines often reveal dozens of birds. Late afternoon provides another peak viewing opportunity. Binoculars enhance observation of distinctive red heads and two-toned wings. Photography enthusiasts find/wildlife/californiaoffers abundant opportunities in nearly every region year-round.

Plan your trip

Best time to see turkey vulture in California: April, March, May

See the month-by-month sighting calendar.

When to go

Plan your turkey vulture sighting in California

1,794,828 verified turkey vulture records have been logged in California, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.

Where to look in California

Alcatraz Island · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Cabrillo National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Channel Islands National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Death Valley National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Devils Postpile National Monument · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
Golden Gate National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Southeast Farallon Island (Farallon Islands NWR, restricted access) · 446 species recorded
Pt. Pinos--general (sea & shore Coral to Jewell, Crespi Pond & cypresses) · 372 species recorded
Furnace Creek Ranch--The Ranch at Death Valley · 368 species recorded
San Clemente Island (please use more precise location) · 364 species recorded
Andrew Molera SP--Big Sur River mouth · 363 species recorded
Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary · 344 species recorded

Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).

Recent turkey vulture sightings

I-15 S, Nipton CA · 2026-07-20 10:44 · 1 seen
2135 Citrus Tree Ln, Spring Valley US-CA 32.72895, -116.97746 · 2026-07-20 10:28 · 1 seen
Sacramento Reg Wastewater Treatment Plant (limited access) · 2026-07-20 10:24 · 2 seen
2585 Acacia Avenue, Sonoma, California, US (38.243, -122.42) · 2026-07-20 10:23 · 6 seen
95628, Fair Oaks US-CA 38.64920, -121.20749 · 2026-07-20 10:13 · 5 seen

Planning a trip to see turkey vulture? Find places to stay near Alcatraz Island on Booking.com.

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